Rabat, Tuesday, May 7th, 2019: Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 18th edition of the Mawazine Festival Rhythms of the World will again give the stage to the stars of the Arab world and international celebrities. And this year again, it is the Mohammed V National Theater which will host these concerts. With its intimate atmosphere, the symbol of cultural life of the capital will be witness to highlights that are already outstanding!

On Friday, June 21st, the opening of the Mawazine Festival Rhythms of the World will be dedicate to the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía, the most emblematic institution of Andalusian folk art. Playing the role of flamenco ambassador since its inception more than twenty years ago, the group has been performing in different venues around the world. An inexhaustible source of talent, the greatest figures of Spanish dance have been part of the group, including Israel Galván, Isabel Bayón, Rafael Campallo, Belén Maya, Patricia Guerrero and Rafaela Carrasco, among others.

After Spain, it is in Lebanon that the public will be invited. Saturday, June 22nd first, with the presence of composer Ziad Rahbani, also director and pianist. The eldest son of the legendary Fairuz and the great Assi Al-Rahbani, he began in 1973 at the age of 17. Gifted, he has had many successes and has been involved in different plays and famous compositions in the Arab world.

The next day, on Sunday, June 23rd, the group Mashrou’Leila, representative of the alternative Arab scene will be performing. Injecting electro sounds to rock as well as tunes of oriental traditional music, the group is the musical sensation of the Middle East. Formed in Beirut in 2008, they quickly became the standard bearer of an Arab youth eager to get rid of social issues.

France will also be honored with Abd Al Malik. On Monday, June 24th, the rapper of Congolese origin will offer festival-goers the singular aesthetic that made his success: songs with strong lyrics accompanied by intense music.

On Tuesday, June 25th, it is another reference of the hexagonal music, Julien Clerc, who will be in the spotlight. Since the 1960s, the artist has remained at the top of the bill with more than 28 studio albums, numerous world tours and a multitude of awards and honors.

On Wednesday, June 26th, the Mohammed V National Theater will vibrate to the sounds of Sister Sledge, disco icons from the United States. Formed in 1971 by sisters Deborah, Joan, Kim and Kathy, the band has sold more than 15 million records and received more than 100 awards and honors. They will make a strong comeback in Rabat during a big world tour.

Thursday, June 27th, the American Stanley Clarke, most talented bassist of his generation, former partner of Chick Corea, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten, will prove once again his talent.

Music from Morocco and Algeria will be celebrated next Friday, June 28th In the presence of Samir Toumi, who will unveil his mastery of the Arab-Andalusian musical heritage, with the rigor and passion inherited from his masters. Then with Sanaa Marahati, who represents the new generation of Moroccan singers of melhoun and gharnati music.

On Saturday, June 29th, the Egyptian Mohamed Mohsen will charm the audience with his unique voice, which earned him the distinction of the Al-Ahram Award in the category “Best Young Singer” in 2012.